Employopedia!

When dressing for job interviews, it is almost impossible to be too conservative.  Most employers regard conservative dress as a sign of good judgment.  You want your personality, drive, commitment to the profession, understanding of the business world, etc., to make you stand out, not your clothes.

Be sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and in good repair.  Being well groomed is essential.  Good grooming indicates to the employer that you value yourself and your work.   There are no specific rules regarding attire.  However, you can follow some guidelines to make sure you are projecting a professional image.   Also, if you are unsure about what is appropriate, call the company and ask.           

Remember you are marketing a product – yourself – to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking.

Guidelines for Men

• A two-piece conservative suit
• Colors: preferably navy blue, black, or medium to charcoal gray
• Pattern: solid or pinstripe
• Fabric: wool/polyester blend (year-round) or all wool (winter)
• Tie: solid color, small dot or paisley, or conservative stripe (Here is your chance to use color!)
• Shirt: long sleeve, preferably white or light blue
• Socks: long and dark (coordinate with suit) Make sure no skin is visible when you sit down.  Mid-calf length is usually appropriate. 
• Shoes: black, polished
• Jewelry: very little- watch; one ring per hand
• Hair: conservative length and style
• Beards and mustaches, if worn, should be trimmed and well-groomed. 
• No heavy cologne or aftershave

Guidelines for Women

• Suit: knee-length skirt
• Colors: navy or medium blue, medium to charcoal gray, wine, black
• Pattern: solid or pinstripe
• Fabric: linen (spring and summer), wool/polyester blend (year-round), or all wool (winter)
• Blouse: Tailored light color, may coordinate a silk scarf
• Shoes: plain pump, dark color, closed heel and toe, one to two inch heel
• Nylons: natural color, no runs
• Jewelry: simple, at most a necklace, one pair of simple earrings, a watch, and one ring per hand. Gaudy or too much jewelry is considered unprofessional.
• Make-up: natural looking, conservatively applied.  No heavy lipstick or eye makeup.
• Hair: neatly styled
• Perfume:  Use little or none.  Some people are allergic to it.
• Nails:  Clear polish or a French manicure are best.
• Portfolio: Black or burgundy leather and no handbag.

Guidelines for Everyone

• Hair should be clean and neat.
• Shoes should be polished.  Make sure the heels aren’t worn and scuffed.
• No missing buttons.
• No lint. 
• Don’t forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes. 
• Clean, manicured fingernails. 
• Keep your pockets free of tinkling coins, keys, or bulges. 
• No gum, candy, or cigarettes.